Architect and former Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has confirmed his intention to run in the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State, stating that he is politically stronger now than he was during the 2023 polls.
Rhodes-Vivour, who recently joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the declaration during an interview on SaharaTV, where he also criticised the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) over its management of the state.
According to him, his ambition to contest the election again has been clear since 2024.
He explained that after the 2023 election, he pursued legal action challenging the outcome up to the Supreme Court of Nigeria while simultaneously strengthening grassroots political structures across the state.
Rhodes-Vivour said the political momentum built during the 2023 election has continued to grow through community-based initiatives such as micro-health insurance programmes and wider engagement with residents across Lagos.
The former candidate also explained that his decision to leave the Labour Party was motivated by the need for stronger unity among opposition parties.
He argued that internal crises within the Labour Party weakened its ability to build on the gains recorded during the 2023 elections, noting that prolonged court battles and internal disputes distracted the party from strengthening its grassroots presence.
Rhodes-Vivour further criticised the Lagos State Government over demolition exercises in several communities and the alleged absence of housing policies for low-income residents.
He cited areas such as Makoko, Lagos, Nigeria and Ilasan, Lagos, Nigeria, where he claimed residents had been displaced without proper resettlement plans.
The politician also accused members of the Lagos State House of Assembly of financial mismanagement, alleging that inflated procurement budgets point to systemic corruption in government spending.
Rhodes-Vivour further dismissed claims that the victory of Peter Obi in Lagos during the 2023 presidential election was driven by ethnic sentiments. According to him, voters in the state supported Obi because they considered him the most competent candidate.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, he said his campaign strategy would focus heavily on grassroots mobilisation and direct engagement with communities across Lagos.
He noted that personal interaction with residents would help address fears about political change in the state, adding that building strong relationships at the grassroots level would remain central to his campaign.